The Nation

WINNECONNE, Wis. — The bridge crossing the Wolf River on State Highway 116 in Winneconne, has been selected for recognition in the 2020 America’s Transportation Awards. In 2019, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) reconstructed the bridge to meet current design and safety standards. The new structure also provides safer accommodations for fishing, snowmobiling and river traffic. The project received a regional award in the Quality of Life and Community Development category of the competition. America’s Transportation Awards is sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “In addition to an improvement to the region’s transportation system, the new Winneconne bridge represents a unique investment in the community. I applaud the WisDOT staff for their vision and commitment to local partnerships,” said Craig Thompson, secretary-designee for WisDOT. “It was a challenging, imaginative project that was well executed. We congratulate everyone involved.” The previous structure, constructed in 1934, had reached the end of its useful life. In addition, the old bridge was built close to the water and had to be raised and lowed to accommodate river traffic. The new Highway 116 bridge improves traffic flow and safety with the following features: A higher fixed deck, which allows river traffic to pass without raising or lowering the bridge; 6-foot shoulders; A 6-foot sidewalk on the north side; and A 10-foot sidewalk on the south side, which accommodates snowmobiles in the winter when conditions allow. The Winneconne bridge is one of the few state highway bridges on which fishing is legal. The new bridge supports fishing by providing two platforms for anglers, each extending about 220 feet from the shoreline. Significant challenges during construction included environmental protection for migrating fish, extremely high water and the presence of ospreys within the work area. The Winneconne bridge project represents an $11.4 million investment in the region’s highway network and in the community. To minimize traffic impacts during construction, crews kept the old bridge open, eliminating the need for a 25-mile detour. “It is an honor to have one of WisDOT’s projects recognized by America’s Transportation Awards,” said Colleen Harris, director of Northeast region for WisDOT. “We are grateful to everyone in Winneconne for their collaboration during the design process and patience during construction. The result is a very special bridge that maintains the community’s tradition of fishing and using the Wolf River.”

WASHINGTON and BATON ROUGE, La. —The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on Sept. 4 announced the immediate availability of $5 million in “quick release” Emergency Relief (ER) funds to help Louisiana begin repairs to highways and bridges damaged by Hurricane Laura and Tropical Storm Marco. “This administration is committed to helping the residents of Louisiana recover and rebuild in the aftermath of these hurricanes,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. Louisiana experienced high winds and heavy rain from the two storms from August 23-29. Storm surge, high winds and flood damage occurred throughout the western half of the state. These “quick release” funds will make it easier for emergency repair work, such as stabilizing and repairing roadway embankments and bridges, rebuilding damaged roadways and repairing or replacing damaged structures, traffic signals and signs, to begin immediately. The $5 million represents only a portion of what the state estimates the cost of repairs to damaged infrastructure to be, according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOT). “FHWA is working with Louisiana officials to get roads affected by Hurricane Laura repaired and operating again as quickly as possible,” said Federal Highway Administrator Nicole R. Nason. “These funds can help pay for the work necessary to support the economic well-being in several parishes.” FHWA’s ER program provides funding for highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events. These “quick release” ER funds are an initial installment of funds used to restore essential traffic and to limit further highway damage, which can help long-term repair work begin more quickly. “Southwest and central Louisiana has seen tremendous damage from Hurricane Laura,” said Secretary Shawn D. Wilson of DOTD. “Thousands of miles of state roadways were impacted by this disastrous storm, and these funds will assist in expediting the reconstruction of any roads and bridges that were damaged. I want to thank Secretary Chao and FHWA Administrator Nason for the swift response to our request.”

BALTIMORE — The rate of congestion, travel volume and pavement deterioration on Maryland’s Interstate Highway System are among the highest in the nation, according to an August report by TRIP, a private nonprofit that researches, evaluates and distributes economic and technical data about surface transportation issues. The report, Restoring Maryland’s Interstate Highway System: Meeting Maryland’s Transportation Needs with a Reliable, Safe & Well-Maintained National Highway Network, reviews the use, condition and benefits of Maryland’s Interstate system. Click here to view or download a PDF of the report. Between 2000 and 2018, traffic on Maryland’s interstate increased at a rate of 18%, nine time faster than the increase in new lane capacity (2%), according to the report. As a result, Maryland’s interstates are the second busiest — and the second most congested at 82% — in the U.S. The heavy use of Maryland’s roads has led to increased deterioration on the state’s interstate highways, and 5% of the state’s interstate pavement is in “poor” condition, placing the state the 11th highest in the nation. Travel on Maryland’s interstate highways is tallied at 20,055 miles per lane per day, the second highest in the U.S. behind California at 86%. While Maryland’s interstate highway system accounts for only 4% of the total roadway lane miles in the state, the system carries 30% of the state’s vehicle travel. TRIP’s report identifies the busiest portions of Maryland’s interstate system, including two sections of Interstate 270, two sections of Interstate 495 and a portion of Interstate 95/495. The TRIP report also identifies the most congested segments of freeways or expressways in Maryland during morning and afternoon peak travel times, the vast majority of which are on the state’s interstate highways. As the aging Interstate system’s foundations continue to deteriorate, most interstate highways, bridges and interchanges will need to be rebuilt or replaced. Continuing to resurface the highways, rather than addressing underlying foundational issues, will provide diminishing returns and result in shorter periods of pavement smoothness, according to TRIP. Six percent of Maryland’s Interstate pavements are rated in “mediocre” condition, 8% are in “fair” condition and the remaining 80% are in “good” condition. The report also shows that 2% of Maryland’s interstate bridges are rated in “poor/structurally deficient” condition. A bridge is rated as “poor/structurally deficient” if there is significant deterioration of the bridge deck, supports or other major components. Seventy-two percent of the state’s interstate bridges are rated in “fair” condition and the remaining 26% are in “good” condition. Twenty-two percent of Maryland’s Interstate bridges need repair or replacement, the report states, and 52% of the state’s interstate brides are 50 years or older. The design of Maryland’s interstate system — which includes a separation from other roads and rail lines, a minimum of four lanes, paved shoulders and median barriers — makes the state’s interstates more than two-and-a-half times safer to travel on as all other roadways. The fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles of travel on Maryland’s Interstate in 2018 was 0.40 compared to 1.03 on the state’s non-Interstate routes. TRIP estimates that additional safety features on the interstate system saved 108 lives in 2018: While Maryland’s interstate highway system carried 30% of the state’s travel in 2018, it accounted for only 14% of the state’s traffic fatalities as a result of superior safety features, according to TRIP. Restoring and upgrading Maryland’s interstate system to meet the 21st-century transportation needs will require strong federal leadership and a robust federal-state partnership to reestablish the Interstate Highway System as the nation’s premier transportation network, TRIP says. The current federal surface transportation program, Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST Act), the primary source of interstate highway funding, expires Sept. 30, and the reauthorization of a new long-term, adequately and reliably funded long-term federal program will be needed to ensure that a strong federal program supports the restoration of the interstate system. However, reductions in vehicle travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic is predicted to reduce state transportation revenues by about $16 billion in 2020 —and by $37 billion over a five-year period — reducing states’ ability to invest in repairs and improvement. Based on the findings of a 2019 report by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) that was requested by Congress, TRIP has provided recommendations for the restoration of Maryland’s interstate system, which include: Foundational reconstruction of interstate highways, bridges and interchanges; Improvement to roadway safety features; System right-sizing, including upgrading of some roadway corridors to Interstate standards; Adding needed additional highway capacity on existing routes; Adding additional corridors; and Modifying some urban segments to maintain connectivity while remediating economic and social disruption. “The long-term vision that helped establish the current Interstate system nearly 65 years ago is needed again today,” said Dave Kearby, executive director of TRIP. “In order to rebuild the nation’s economy, maintain personal and commercial mobility, and improve quality of life, adequate transportation investment and a sustainable, long-term funding source for the federal surface transportation program must remain a priority.”

BEVERLY, Mass. — Holiday weekends are of notoriously high risk for manufacturers and logistics-related organizations, according to the Sensitech Supply Chain Intelligence Center (SCIC). As the Labor Day weekend approaches, organized cargo theft rings will be “extremely active” as more shipments are left unattended for extended periods of time due to the holiday, SCIC warns drivers and shippers. During the Labor Day weekend holidays between 2015 and 2019, Sensitech SCIC recorded 2.2 thefts per day, a 15% higher rate than throughout the year. Pharmaceuticals (+83%), tobacco (+67%), electronics (+55%) and auto and parts (+19%) were all targeted more aggressively during Labor Day weekends compared to the rest of the year. This year, with recent storms battering the Gulf Coast, shippers of building supplies (especially shingles) should be particularly vigilant. During past Labor Day weekends, California accounted for 36% of total thefts, followed closely by Texas (16%) and Florida (15%). The experts at Sensitech SCIC advise logistics and security professionals to make sure security protocols are up to date and in line with industry best practices for both in-transit and warehouse operations. Also, to mitigate criminal attempts to exploit cargo at rest, they suggest confirming that a given receiver’s hours of operation for the holiday weekend are consistent with scheduled delivery times and planning for secure parking locations in the event a shipment will have to stop for an extended period of time. Covert GPS tracking and active monitoring of high-value shipments are highly recommended, as they have proven to be the most effective protocols to both mitigate in-transit theft and facilitate successful recovery of stolen product. In addition, truckers and shippers should follow these guidelines, collectively endorsed by Sensitech, IMUA, PCSC, Travelers Insurance, SWTSC, SETSC, NETSC and the Cargo Security Alliance: Transportation Steps should be taken to verify the authenticity of all shipment-related activity during holiday periods — particularly any entities that have been engaged to either move or store a shipment. Driver and business verification, prior to releasing any shipment, is paramount. Communication between drivers and shippers needs to be firmly established and regularly maintained during shipments. That communication should include drivers’ instruction as to what types of behavior are required and what is not permissible. Truck stops, highway rest areas and distribution centers are traditionally targets for cargo thieves, and even more so over holiday periods. Any location where cargo would either intentionally (or unintentionally) come to rest — even for brief periods of time — should be as secure as possible. Things to consider when selecting a secure area/lot include controlled access, adequate lighting, congestion, any type of personal or video surveillance, how long the conveyance will be left unattended, and past intelligence of localized cargo theft activity. If a cargo conveyance must be left unattended for any period of time, it should be made as secure as possible. Strongly consider using theft-resistant locking/sealing mechanisms for tractors, trailers and cargo compartments; disabling technology for the vehicle’s power units or trailer movements; and parking vehicles and/or cargo compartments in a fashion that make access as difficult as possible. Any tracking technology, such as GPS monitoring, that is available for deployment should be used to its fullest extent possible. This would include tracking technology on the conveyance’s power unit and its cargo area (if separate), as well as within the cargo itself. Storage Conduct a personal inspection of both the outside and inside of storage facilities before securing them. Remove/repair anything that would assist a perpetrator in illicit activity — for example, exterior lighting that doesn’t work, gates/doors/windows left unsecured, keys left in forklifts, etc. Before securing a facility for unattended periods, make sure all alarms, CCTV recording equipment and any sources of auxiliary power are all in good working order. Also, test the batteries in any battery-powered security devices. Treat all premises alarms received, regardless of the number or closeness in frequency, as if they are all actual penetration attempts. Responses should be made accordingly. Make sure all lists of company individuals responsible for contact in the event of suspicious activity or emergency are up to date. All entities that monitor alarm/access activity need to have access to these up-to-date lists. Encourage local law-enforcement agencies to make extra patrols in the areas where cargo facilities are located. In addition, make it as easy as possible for law enforcement to “see” your critical access areas.

SURREY, British Columbia, Canada — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) conducted what the agencies say was a significant seizure of suspected drugs at the Pacific Highway, British Columbia port of entry. On Aug. 12, CBSA officers at Pacific Highway referred a commercial driver for further inspection. After X-ray imaging of the tractor and trailer revealed anomalies, officers continued their examination and located seven boxes of suspected dried opium poppy plants (including the pods), weighing a total of 29 kg (nearly 64 pounds). CBSA estimates the value of the suspected opium poppy plants at $58,000. The driver was arrested and turned over to the RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit, along with the suspected opium poppy plants. The driver was released pending a further ongoing investigation. “Opium poppy is the source of all natural opioids, including doda, a highly addictive street drug made from dried pods and husks,” said Daniela Evans, director of CBSA’s Pacific Highway District. “The CBSA conducts risk-based screening at the border and works with the RCMP to protect Canadians from all forms of drug smuggling.” Opium poppy and its derivatives are regulated under Schedule I of Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Only licensed dealers under the Narcotic Control Regulations are allowed to import or export opium, with a valid permit. CBSA and RCMP work together to prevent illegal drug smuggling that endangers the safety of Canadian communities and generates profits for organized crime. “Investigations such as this highlight the important relationship between the Canada Border Services Agency and RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime in detecting and interdicting drugs in the first instance and bringing those allegedly responsible through the court process,” said Inspector Stephen Lee of RCMP’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit. “Such partnerships are critical in supporting our ongoing commitment to combatting transnational organized crime.”

PHOENIX — A $72 million project to add new lanes and make other improvements along Loop 101 (Price Freeway) between Baseline Road and Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) in the East Valley has been completed on schedule, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announced Aug. 26. The ADOT project, which began in May 2019, included added new right lanes and other upgrades along more than 6 miles of Loop 101. As a result, Loop 101 now has four general-purpose lanes and a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane in each direction south of the U.S. 60 interchange. The completed Price Freeway improvements were scheduled ahead of the planned Interstate 10 Broadway Curve widening project between Loop 202 in Chandler and Interstate 17 in Phoenix, because Loop 101 will serve as a key alternate route when closures of Interstate 10 are needed, according to ADOT. “ADOT remains committed to delivering improvements that will help local communities, the Phoenix region and the state with the movement of people and products for decades to come,” said John Halikowski, ADOT director. “New lanes, more room to merge and improved traffic flow are part of ADOT’s ‘true north’ of (the) Safely Home (mission).” Crews finished the Price Freeway project by diamond-grinding the concrete pavement, using specialized machines with diamond-tipped blades to smooth the freeway’s riding surface. Other improvements include adjustments to Loop 101 on- and off-ramps, construction of new retaining walls and safety barriers, upgraded freeway lighting and landscaping, new digital message signs, and the widening of northbound Loop 101 bridge over Chandler Boulevard. The Loop 101 Price Freeway improvement project was funded as part of the Regional Transportation Plan approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004. Funding sources for the plan’s projects include a regional half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements as well as the Phoenix region’s share of federal highway funds.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has extended expiration dates for commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) and hazardous-materials endorsements (HMEs) to Sept. 30. The extensions, applicable to Pennsylvania residents, are in response to statewide COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Effective Aug. 31, expiration dates for the following products have been extended: CDLs scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2020; CLPs scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2020; and Hazardous Materials Endorsements (HME) for drivers who hold a Pennsylvania-issued CDL and who held a valid, unexpired HME with a determination of no security threat on or after March 6, 2020. For more information, visit the PennDOT website.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is now serving customers in Monmouth, Illinois, and Kermit, Texas, thanks to two travel stops that opened Aug. 27. The Monmouth store, located off U.S. 34, adds 40 jobs and 87 truck parking spaces to Warren County. The Kermit store, located off Texas Highway 302, adds 45 jobs and 99 truck parking spaces to Winkler County. “Opening our 23rd location in Illinois and our 75th location in Texas is something we’re excited about,” said Tom Love, founder and executive chairman of Love’s. “These new stores will give professional truck drivers and four-wheel customers additional locations they can stop at to get the fresh coffee, food, snacks, amenities and outstanding customer service they’re used to getting at Love’s.” Both locations are open 24/7 and offer many amenities, including: Monmouth, Illinois More than 12,000 square feet. Chester’s Chicken and Godfather’s Pizza. 87 truck parking spaces. 66 car parking spaces. Three RV parking spaces. Four diesel bays. Six showers. Laundry facilities. Bean-to-cup gourmet coffee. Brand-name snacks. Fresh Kitchen concept. Mobile to Go Zone with the latest electronics. CAT scale. Dog park. Kermit, Texas More than 11,000 square feet. Chester’s Chicken and McDonald’s. 99 truck parking spaces. 87 car parking spaces. Three RV parking spaces. Eight showers. Eight diesel bays. Laundry facilities. Bean-to-cup gourmet coffee. Brand-name snacks. Fresh Kitchen concept. Mobile to Go Zone with the latest electronics. CAT scale. In honor of the grand opening, Love’s will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at each location and donate $2,000 to the Monmouth School District in Monmouth, Illinois, and $2,000 to the Kermit Police Department in Kermit, Texas.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today issued guidance discussing changes to the revised Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form (CCF) that was approved Aug. 17. Click here to view the DOT-issued guidance. The old CCF is the one that has been used under the DOT-regulated program since 2017. Most of the changes adopted in the revised CCF were made to accommodate the use of oral fluid specimens for the federal drug testing program. Oral fluid drug testing is not authorized in DOT’s current drug testing program. The guidance also notes additional changes to the CCF; click here to view those changes. DOT-regulated employers and their service agents (collectors, laboratories and medical review officers, or MRO) are authorized to use the revised CCF beginning Sept. 1. To avoid confusion about whether oral fluid testing is authorized in the DOT program, and to allow existing supplies of old CCFs to be depleted, DOT recommends that laboratories not mail revised CCFs to DOT-regulated clients or their service agents until after June 1, 2021 (or until supplies of the old CCFs have been depleted). Collectors can use the revised CCF beginning Sept. 1; however, usage of the revised CCF is not required until Aug. 30, 2021. When using the old CCF between Sept. 1, 2020, and August 30, 2021, a memorandum for the record (MFR) is not required. However, if an old CCF is used after August 30, 2021, collectors must complete an MFR per 49 CFR § 40.205(b)(2). DOT stipulates that the Aug. 31 guidance does not have the force and effect of law and is not meant to bind the public in any way; it is intended only to provide clarity regarding existing requirements under the law. Click here for detailed information from the Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration about using the new CCF.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) plans to start installing intersection conflict warning systems (ICWS) in several locations today (Monday, Aug. 31); installation will continue into late spring 2020. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the systems will improve safety at non-signalized, stop-controlled intersections, reducing severe crashes by as much as 20% to 30%. The warning systems use signs and flashing yellow warning lights, triggered by vehicle-detection devices installed under the pavement, to alert drivers approaching two-way stop-controlled intersections that traffic is approaching or that there is a waiting vehicle. NDOT notes that drivers approaching intersections equipped with the warning systems should be cautious even if the lights are not flashing. For more information about using the systems, click here. Morgan County drivers will be among the first in the state to benefit from a new warning system proven to reduce severe crashes, as IDOT begins installation of the an ICWS at Indiana Highway 144 and Neitzel/Pennington Road Aug. 31. Indiana Highway 144 has higher traffic volume with no stop sign, while the minor road (Neitzel/Pennington Road) has lower traffic volume with a stop sign. Click here to view a video explaining how the system will work. The following intersections, listed by district, are also included in the ICWS plan. For updates about the installation schedule for each system, follow the individual districts on Facebook or Twitter. East Central (Greenfield District) S. 27 and Indiana Highway 28; Indiana Highway 38 and Moontown/Hinkle Road; S. 40 and County Road 600 E.; and S. 40 and Indiana Highway 3/S. County Road 325 W. Northeast (Fort Wayne District) Indiana Highway 109 and County Road 400 N.; and Indiana Highway 26 and County Road 950 E./County Road 900 S. Southeast (Seymour District) Indiana Highway 60 and Old Highway 60 junction; Indiana Highway 60 and Ebenezer Church Road; Indiana Highway 144 and Pennington/Neitzel Road (installation began Aug. 31); Indiana Highway 46 and Lower Schooner Road; and Indiana Highway 46 and Sewell Road. Southwest (Vincennes District) Indiana Highway 70 and Indiana Highway 275; Indiana Highway 65 and Boonville/New Harmony Road; and Indiana Highway 45 and Indiana Highway 54. West Central (Crawfordsville District) Indiana Highway 47 and County Road 625 E.; S. 41 and Evans Avenue; and Indiana Highway 63 and Indiana Highway 28.

OTAY MESA, Calif. — In three separate incidents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the ports of entry and commercial cargo facilities at Otay Mesa intercepted methamphetamine and marijuana hidden in shipments manifested as cactus and limes in early August. About 8 a.m. Aug. 7, a tractor-trailer arrived at the Otay Mesa cargo facility with a shipment manifested as cactus. CBP officers referred the shipment to be unloaded at the dock for an intensive inspection. A CBP canine alerted officers to a pallet of cactus. CBP officers searched the crates of cactus pads, which are often used in food dishes and beverages, and found packages, wrapped with green tape and hidden inside among the cactus pads. In total, officers found 590 packages containing a total of about 668 pounds of methamphetamine. The narcotics have an estimated street value of more than $1.5 million. About 6:30 p.m. the same day, at the same cargo crossing, CBP officers sent a tractor-trailer, loaded with a shipment manifested as limes, for further inspection after discovering anomalies during an X-ray scan. CBP officers opened the boxes and found 622 large, tape-wrapped packages inside the boxes manifested as limes. The packages contained 14,800 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of almost $60 million. “International drug-trafficking organizations will use whatever means they can think of to try and move their illicit shipments into the U.S.,” said Pete Flores, director of field operations for CBP in San Diego. “CBP officers dedicate their careers to protecting our country by securing the border. For them, these unusual seizures are all in a day’s work.” Less than a week later, about 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 11, CBP officers at the Otay Mesa commercial facility discovered yet another shipment of methamphetamine hidden in a tractor-trailer manifested as transporting cactus. After an X-ray exam revealed anomalies within the shipment, CBP officers referred the truck and trailer for a more intensive examination. A CBP canine team screened the truck and trailer, and the detector dog alerted to the shipment. CBP officers searched the shipment and discovered 1,098 wrapped packages of methamphetamine mixed with the cactus in crates. The packages weighed more than 1,464 pounds and had an estimated street value of about $3.3 million. CBP officers turned the driver, a 48-year-old male U.S. citizen, over to the custody of agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) who later transported him to the Metropolitan Correction Center (MCC) in San Diego; he will face federal charges. “Incidents such as this highlight the great work by our CBP officers, who continue to expedite legitimate trade and travel while interdicting significant violations that would harm our community,” said Joseph Misenhelter, officer in charge. “(This is) an example of (how) our layered enforcement approach — initial screening, use of nonintrusive technology, canine examination and physical examination — all play a part in how we keep America safe.” As the month of August continued, CBP officers at both the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders helped prevent illegal drugs from entering the U.S In all cases, the conveyances and narcotics were seized. Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Meth valued at $15 million hidden in shipment of ‘handcrafted cobblestone’ LAREDO, Texas — On Friday, Aug. 7, CBP officers assigned to the World Trade Bridge intercepted a tractor-trailer carrying a shipment manifested as “handcrafted cobblestone.” The 2019 Kenworth tractor and shipment were referred for a canine and nonintrusive imaging system inspection, resulting in the discovery of 336 packages containing more than 763 pounds of alleged methamphetamine within the consignment. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $15,266,414. “The upsurge of methamphetamine trafficking has become a serious international health and security threat,” said Acting Port Director Andrew Douglas, Laredo Port of Entry. “These seizures validate CBP’s commitment in securing our borders and protecting our communities from this persistent drug threat.” CBP officers seized the narcotics and the case was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation. Nearly 2 tons of marijuana, hidden in shipment of lighting equipment, seized at Port of Buffalo BUFFALO, N.Y. — On Aug. 10, CBP officers assigned to the Peace Bridge selected a commercial shipment, manifested as “seven skids of lighting,” for further examination. Upon inspection of the shipment, 14 wooden pallet boxes were located. An internal inspection of the pallets revealed numerous cardboard boxes that had been filled with vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana. The marijuana was determined to be 3,836pounds with an estimated street value of more than $8 million dollars. “These CBP Officers have remained vigilant and engaged as travel restrictions at the border continue”, said Jennifer De La O, port director. “They have never let their guard down and their discovery of another large marijuana seizure exemplifies their dedication to the CBP mission.” Meth valued at nearly $9.5 million seized at World Trade Bridge LAREDO, Texas —CBP officers at the World Trade Bridge seized methamphetamine worth an estimated $9,483,307 million Aug. 10, when officers intercepted a tractor-trailer carrying a shipment manifested as acrylic polymers. The 2009 Kenworth tractor and trailer were referred for a canine and nonintrusive imaging inspection, resulting in the discovery of 10 packages containing 474.17 pounds of alleged methamphetamine hidden within the consignment. “Methamphetamine has an appalling impact on individuals, families and our communities,” said Andrew Douglass, acting port director at the Laredo Port of Entry. “CBP is dedicated to disrupting the flow of this deadly narcotic through ongoing enforcement operations.” CBP officers seized the narcotics. The case was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation. ‘Office furniture’ shipment contains more than half a ton of marijuana PORT HURON, Mich. — On Aug. 17, CBP officers at the Blue Water Bridge seized more than one-half ton of marijuana from a commercial truck with Ontario plates. Officers conducted an examination of the truck, which had manifested it was carrying office furniture destined to locations in Michigan. During the exam, CBP officers uncovered more than 1,114 pounds marijuana in vacuum-sealed packages, concealed in cardboard boxes and loaded onto wooden pallets in the truck. “Even during a pandemic, traffickers continue to attempt to exploit our borders and will stop at nothing to try and introduce illicit drugs into our communities,” said Michael Fox, port director. “Our officers remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting our borders from all types of criminal activity.” CBP officers in Detroit discover more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana in shipment of steel wire DETROIT – On Aug. 23, CBP officers at the Fort Street Cargo Facility encountered a commercial truck operated by a Canadian citizen. The driver presented a manifest for steel wire that was destined for a distribution center in Chicago. Upon entry, CBP officers became suspicious and referred the shipment for additional inspection. Officers opened the first of the five wooden crates and discovered it to be loaded with vacuum sealed packages each containing marijuana. In all, officers discovered more than 1,031 pounds of marijuana concealed in five wooden crates. “The Port of Detroit is proud to have prevented the exploitation of our borders and the introduction of illicit drugs into our communities”, said Devin Chamberlain, port director. “I am equally proud of our CBP officers and agriculture specialists, who remain vigilant in their efforts to protect the American people every day.” Rio Grande Valley’s canine agents help CBP officers in drug seizures EDINBURG, Texas — U.S. Border Patrol agents working with their canine partners continue to prove effective against hard narcotic smuggling attempts at the Rio Grande Valley checkpoints. On Aug. 27, agents working at the Falfurrias Border Patrol Checkpoint referred a tractor-trailer to the secondary inspection area after a canine alerted to the tractor. During the secondary inspection, agents discovered liquid methamphetamine inside one of the tractor’s gas tanks. Agents arrested the driver and notified the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of the discovery. Agents then requested a hazardous material team to extract the dangerous drug. That same afternoon, Falfurrias Checkpoint agents sent another tractor-trailer to the secondary inspection area after a canine alerted to the vehicle. During the investigation, agents located more than 60 bundles of methamphetamine weighing more than 180 pounds and worth an estimated $4.5 million. CBP turned the case over to DEA for federal prosecution.

HARRISBURG, Penn. — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently received regional America’s Transportation Awards for operational excellence and best use of technology. PennDOT’s operational excellence award was for its Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program, and the best use of technology award was for the Shaler Street Bridge Replacement. “Innovation is at the heart of PennDOT initiatives across the state,” said Yassmin Gramian, PennDOT’s Secretary of Transportation. “It is gratifying to have our efforts recognized by our transportation partners.” The Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program works by deploying a mobile unit to an active work zone; the mobile unit can detect any vehicles going at least 11 miles over the speed limit. When a vehicle goes over the limit, its license plate is captured, and a violation is mailed to the address on file. The Shaler Street Bridge Replacement project marked the first use of self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) in Pennsylvania. This technology allowed the department to replace the Shaler Street Bridge over busy Route 19 in Allegheny County over the course of two weekends. The America’s Transportation Awards competition is sponsored by American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. State DOTs compete in three categories: Quality of Life/Community Development; Best Use of Technology and Innovation; and Operations Excellence. Each category is also designated by budget size, and projects are judged within their region.